The New England Patriots had issues on their offensive line in 2025. While the team had a terrific season, the quarterback sacks, pressures, and hits finally took their toll on Drake Maye. He was injured in the playoffs, and his subpar Super Bowl performance reflected it.
One player who held up well in pass protection was veteran right tackle Morgan Moses. Head coach Mike Vrabel has been managing the 35-year-old Moses' reps this spring, and he told reporters that he will continue to do so during training camp.
“We are just managing Morgan and are excited that he is so committed to our football team and the people here," Vrabel said. "Just a positive addition last year, and he will have a plan through training camp. It’s a long season. He was important to us, and he will be very important to us going forward."
That strategy makes perfect sense, as Moses' experience and steady play were valuable to the team in 2025. Per Pro Football Focus, he only allowed one sack, 29 pressures, and five total quarterback hits — much-needed efficiency for a group that surrendered 47 sacks in the regular season alone.
Mike Vrabel is already taking steps to keep one of Drake Maye's most important protectors healthy
As Bernd Buchmasser of Pats Pulpit wrote this week, Vrabel's comments only reinforce the team's commitment to Moses following the decision to trade up on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft for offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
"While the youngster has seen extensive action both during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, incumbent Morgan Moses still remains the team’s top right tackle. And even though he has not spent a lot of time in that role during the four open practices so far this spring, it is all part of the Patriots’ plan."
The Patriots made multiple moves this offseason to bolster their 2025 offensive line that surrendered far too many sacks, pressures, and hits. They signed free agent guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who's been a solid NFL starter when healthy. Lomu is a terrific pass-blocker who allowed no sacks in 2025 for the Utah Utes as their left tackle. New England also traded Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears this offseason, allowing Jared Wilson, last year's third-round pick, to slide over from guard to center.
Regardless, Vrabel managing Moses's preseason minutes is a sound move. He was arguably the Patriots' best offensive lineman in 2025, and managing his reps to keep him on the field when the games matter is a prudent strategy for a team with huge aspirations in 2026.
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